Okay, Friday sucked for one simple reason. I lost my
digital camera. I put it down on the table to get something
out of my bag for the person I was talking to at the time
and I forgot to pick it up. But, someone else was kind
enough to pick it up for me. They just weren't kind
enough to return it. I have a pretty good idea of
who snatched it because I remember who I was talkin'
with and, after the conversation, I went back to my hotel
room and that's when I realized that I didn't have the
camera with me. I went back down to the trade floor.
But, it was too late. Dishonest piece of shit. People like
that make me sick. Hey...enjoy the camera. I can always go
out and buy another one. You'll always be an asshole.
Trade show floor...still not as many people as last year. Talked
to pretty much the same people during the day. Once again,
I spent most of the day in and out of the hotel. I discovered
The Spot on 2nd Street...great place for food. Got a cheese
steak that was simply awesome. I got it with everything and
while it was a bit too hot for my taste, I managed to get
it down and my hunger was satisfied. I totally dig that place.
Music...let's see...caught a bit of Agents From The Sun before
I made my way back down to Scott's Grille again. I met Julia Othmer
on the trade floor and I had a short conversation with her and
she convinced me to come and check her out. I got there early
enough to catch Shamra, who was rather impressive. She had a two
song sampler disc that was like, all over the trade floor.
Vocalist Carrie Bolger was amazing. This band is going places,
that much you can be sure of. They came in at #20 on the CMJ
college radio chart, their music has been featured on "Party Of Five"
and, there's just so much more. Check the website for details.
Julia Othmer was up next and, let me tell you, this woman can rock.
When it comes to her performance, she kind of brings Tori Amos to mind.
She becomes one with her instrument, which is, of course, the keyboard.
I would describe her musical style as pop rock. She's really impressive
and I can't wait to hear her full length release, which is in the works.
For those of you who have the MMC compilation CD, you can hear a sample
of her work by way of "Mission Control," which is track 13 on the
second disc. Once her full length album is released, she's gonna go
places. There's no doubt in my mind about that.
From there, I went to Fisaga to catch Bicycle Mary from New York,
who I had talked with earlier in the evening. Their ten song CD,
"The Other Side Of Paradise," is catchy, radio friendly rock,
which was really cool. On stage, they were, of course, a bit
heavier and a lot louder. They're just a really great band,
well worth checking out. They have a bit of a Beatles vibe going
on as well. If you pick up a copy of their disc, check out
the song "Circle" to see what I'm talking about.
I was gonna head back to the hotel to see what was going on there.
But, as my wife pointed out, Julie Schreiber was doing an acoustic set
at Zia's Trattoria with guitarist Eric Wirsing. So, I thought I'd
stop in to see "the other side" of this talented performer.
There wasn't a lot of people in there. But, those who were there,
I think they had a real appreciation for the "stripped down"
version of Julie's music. I know my wife and I did because we
ended up staying there for most of the set. Full band or
acoustic, it doesn't matter. When Julie is on stage, she has
your attention, end of story.
I finished my beer and we decided to head back to the hotel
(finally) and we caught a song or two from Backstreet Law.
I can describe this band with one word...explosive. This
is a band with a lot of potential and I'm quite sure they're
not gonna let it go to waste. Great band that you're gonna
be hearing a lot about.
I was pretty trashed Friday night. After a long day,
I wanted nothing more than a good night's sleep.
I was out like a light as soon as I hit the bed.
One more day to go...and I knew this one was gonna be a killer.